In Memory of Dr. Christine Schöpf

In Memory of Dr. Christine Schöpf (1948 – 2025)

It is with great sadness and deep respect that we bid farewell to Dr. Christine Schöpf, whose diverse work had a lasting impact on the media art landscape in Linz—including here at the Interface Cultures department.

On the initiative of Interface Cultures, she was appointed honorary professor at the University of Arts Linz in 2009, together with Dr. Hannes Leopoldseder. From 2008 to 2017, both taught the Media Art History course with great dedication. This course offered students insight into the history of media art surrounding Ars Electronica—from its beginnings, themes, and key figures to the Prix and amusing anecdotes about the festival.

A distinctive feature of the course was that Dr. Christine Schöpf prepared extensive image and film material from the ORF archive, giving students a deep insight into the festival’s origins. In addition to the historical background of media art in Linz and beyond, the course also placed particular emphasis on practical content. With their wealth of experience, Dr. Christine Schöpf and Dr. Hannes Leopoldseder vividly conveyed to students how a festival is organized—from developing a theme to concrete planning.

With her passion, kindness, and elegance, Dr. Christine Schöpf generously shared her knowledge with the younger generation. In doing so, she contributed significantly to the development and professionalization of the Interface Cultures department. We will remember her with gratitude. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and to all who were close to her.